Exodus

Title: Exodus

Author: Leon Uris

Publication date: 1958

Book's setting: 1940's

Random facts: I wanted to know more about the formation of Israel but of course I didn't want to read a 600 page nonfiction political debrief so I settled for this.

Plot summary: American widow and journalist friend get involved in the smuggling of Jewish POV/refugees out of Greece post WWII and into Palestine. The book then breaks off into several historical recounts of Jewish oppression based around a particular character in the book, wrapping it all together by the second half with an intense play-by-play of the United Nation's decision to see Israel as its own nation, and finishing emotionally with lots of people dying.

Favorite aspects: Epic. I mean, I was enthralled. Historical fiction is so amazing because you learn and you can be emotionally involved and your knowledge of history at the outset helps you become much more engrossed than you might have been. I had absolutely no clue that half the stuff in this book happened, so I think it was good for me to read it, but at the same time my knowledge of the historical context totally enhanced the experience. And like, on a totally personal level, DOV AND KAREN. I'm a sucker for those sorts of romances.

Least favorite aspects: I was surprised that there wasn't more about the Spanish Inquisition. The book went back to retell stories of of Jewish oppression in multiple countries as far back as the early 1800's, but I think it would have been really awesome for that to be included.

Other works it reminded me of: Maggie-Now by Betty Smith, The House of Spirits, Isabel Allende


Sadie's merciless break-down: Fact: I read this on the plane on my way home from Switzerland and it was like 3 flights and a layover and a few amazing meals and lots of white wine and this book. Reading it was intense. It's an intense book. The writing is a little "of the times" but not in a bad way. I dunno. It was awesome. 

Recommendation rate: Any historical fiction fan should read this.